What Is Hazmat Shipping? Meaning, Examples, Packaging Rules & Compliance Tips
- LPS Industries
- Sep 20, 2025
- 4 min read
When you think of hazardous materials (HAZMAT), items like explosives and chemicals probably come to mind—but you may be surprised to learn that many everyday products are also regulated as dangerous goods. From perfumes, nail polish, and lithium batteries to cleaning agents, paints, and aerosols, these items require special handling and compliant packaging to be legally and safely shipped.
At LPS Industries, we specialize in non-bulk, UN rated, tested and certified complete Hazmat packages for shipping via UPS and FedEx as well as common carrier.
What Is Hazmat Shipping?
Hazmat shipping refers to the transportation of goods that are classified as hazardous materials—solids, liquids, or gases that pose a risk to health, safety, property, or the environment during transportation. The process is highly regulated by U.S. federal agencies such as the Department of Transportation (DOT) and includes strict requirements around:
Packaging
Labeling
Documentation
Employee training
Carrier selection
Failure to comply with hazmat shipping regulations can result in severe penalties, delays, and reputational damage.
What Products Are Considered Hazardous Materials?
Hazardous materials are divided into classes under the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) guidelines.
Some of the classes of Hazmat include:
Explosives – Fireworks, ammunition, detonators
Gases – Propane, butane, compressed oxygen
Flammable Liquids – Alcohol, gasoline, nail polish remover
Flammable Solids – Matches, magnesium
Oxidizers & Organic Peroxides – Bleach, hydrogen peroxide
Toxic & Infectious Substances – Pesticides, medical waste
Radioactive Materials – Medical isotopes, nuclear fuel
Corrosives – Battery acid, cleaning agents
Miscellaneous – Lithium batteries, dry ice, e-cigarettes
LPS Tip: Even if your product doesn’t seem dangerous, it may still fall under Class 9. Always review the SDS (Safety Data Sheet) and DOT regulations before shipping.
Why Hazmat Packaging Matters
At LPS Industries, we provide proprietary packaging that meet the stringent DOT and UN regulations. Our packaging solutions include:
• Multiple configurations of complete UN certified packaging kits
• Packages to ship your hazard in the most common primary containers
• Pre-printed hazard labels
• Ancillary items for cushioning and containment inside the package
Here are Important Steps for Shipping Hazardous Material
Shipping hazardous goods involves a multi-step process. Missing even one can result in serious consequences.
1. Classify Your Product
Identify your hazard class and UN number (United Nations identification code). This is mandatory for documentation and labeling. Classification is based on chemical composition, physical properties, and potential risks.
🔎 Use the product’s Safety Data Sheet (SDS) for information like flash point, reactivity, and toxicity.
2. Choose the Right Packaging
Packaging must be certified and compatible with the hazard class.
Steel drums and jerricans or glass bottles for liquid hazards
Plastic drums or HDPE containers for solid hazards
Absorbent-lined boxes for Class 6 infectious materials
LPS Industries offers DOT compliant packaging options to reduce risk and maximize efficiency.
3. The correct markings and labels include
Hazard labels
UN ID numbers
Orientation arrows
Handling instructions
Improper marking is one of the top reasons hazmat shipments are rejected or fined.
4. Prepare Shipping Papers
Documentation is critical. A compliant shipping paper may include
UN number and proper shipping name
Hazard class
Packing group (I, II, or III)
Quantity and packaging type
Emergency contact information
Certification statement by the shipper
Carriers like FedEx and UPS require strict adherence to paperwork accuracy.
5. Follow Carrier-Specific Rules
Most major carriers ship hazardous materials, but each has its own guidelines:
UPS: Offers ground and air hazmat services with specific training programs and packaging rules.
FedEx: Requires pre-approval for some hazmat items and restricts certain classes for air transport.
USPS: Highly limited hazmat acceptance (e.g., nail polish or batteries). No international hazmat allowed.
DHL: Only accepts certain consumer commodities under specific domestic conditions.
🔒 LPS Insight: Always consult your carrier’s dangerous goods guide before shipping. LPS can pre-design your packaging to meet carrier-specific requirements.
What Are the Regulations for Hazmat Shipping?
1. 49 CFR – U.S. Department of Transportation
Outlines requirements for:
Classification
Packaging
Labeling
Shipping papers
Training and recordkeeping
2. IATA (International Air Transport Association)
Applies to air shipments and includes:
Lithium battery transport
Package design for cabin pressure
Carrier-specific air restrictions
3. IMDG Code
International Maritime Dangerous Goods Code governs hazmat shipping by sea.
Penalties for Non-Compliance
Shipping hazmat materials improperly can result in:
Fines
Product seizure
Revocation of shipping privileges
Civil and criminal charges for willful negligence
At LPS Industries, we can help shippers avoid regulatory risks with UN rated packages.
How to Choose a Hazmat Packaging Supplier
When shipping dangerous goods, your packaging supplier should offer:
DOT compliant packages
Certified testing results
Pre-printed Hazard labels
LPS Industries delivers this and more. Whether you need UN rated packs or drums, warning labels, or overpacks, we’re ready to help.
Hazmat Shipping Made Safer with LPS Industries
Hazmat shipping doesn’t need to be overwhelming. With the right supplier and compliant packaging in place, you can ship dangerous goods confidently while protecting your business from fines and delays.
At LPS Industries, we combine our regulatory expertise with performance-oriented packaging solutions engineered to meet many of the demanding applications of shipping hazardous material.
Contact LPS Industries today for help with your certified packaging needs.
Comments